Jamaica Energy Partners
Operations & Maintenance
DBPS’s RO Seawater Desalination Plant: A Project in the Spotlight In our January 2018 newsletter, an
of focus and attention by engineers of
introduction was made regarding
all sectors and specializations. It was
the installation and commissioning
later deemed eligible for entry into the
efforts of a Reverse Osmosis Seawater
CWWA 2018 conference competition
Desalination plant at the Doctor Bird
due to its relevance as an alternative
facility. Since then, the project has caught
to conventional methods of obtaining
the attention of both the JIE (Jamaica
potable water for both domestic and
Institution of Engineers) and the CWWA
industrial use; especially in recent
(Caribbean Water and Wastewater
times where access to clean water
Association) societies.
sources have been an increasing, global environmental concern. JEP’s experience
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The project implementation, led by Lloyd
is specifically of interest to industry
Peak (HSSE Manager) and write-up
practitioners due to our unique ability to
feature submitted by Conrad Miller
compare this relatively new technology
(Acting Technical Services Manager),
to the operation and maintenance of
was accepted and published in the
other freshwater generation methods and
March JIE newsletter as a project worthy
equipment.
Issue 16
On March 26, 2018, the first batch of product water was transferred to the DB I Fresh Water Tank, signalling for Doctor Bird, the long-awaited end to expensive water purchases and the high maintenance costs attributed to the existing freshwater generators. The unit has recorded a fresh water production rate of over 800 gallons per hour and, therefore, easily maintains the freshwater needs of both the DBI and DBII power plants. With the system up and running, the Project Manager (Lloyd Peak) could be seen busily arranging the second phase of training for plant technicians, supervisors and other personnel who would be operating, maintaining and interfacing with the desalination facility. April saw the final finishing touches being executed-labelling of tanks, pipelines, and the securing of safety and spill response equipment at their final locations.
April 2018
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The JEP family continues to be proud of this achievement, which has piqued the interest of various external bodies, due to its unique engineering application and relevance to environment-related hot topics. Being the first of its kind on the island, this exposure has put JEP in a positive spotlight, the financial benefits and returns on investment of the project already quite apparent. Let us continue to stand out as trendsetters in the field of power generation, and other industries, reflecting our proficiency and knowledge in critical operational areas and reinforcing ourselves as technical subject-matter experts.
Congrats again to the JEP TEAM! April 2018
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Corporate Social Responsibility
JEP Partners With The GC Foster College of Physical Education & Sports In 2017, following the restoration of the Old Harbour Bay
search and rescue as well as basic first aid, to us, is key. To
Beach, the newly renovated beach began to see an influx
this end, a partnership was formed with the GC Foster College
of persons from Old Harbour Bay and the surrounding
to train four persons from the community. We believe this will
communities. JEP recognized that the absence of lifeguards
not only offer assurance to the residents should there be an
presented a grave problem as it pertains possible loss of life.
imminent danger but could also provide an income to young men in the community, who may be hired as certified lifeguards.
JEP Events
At JEP safety is of paramount importance, therefore, ensuring that persons in the community are professionally trained in
Annual Charles Town Maroon Conference Cultural retention is a concept we promote at JEP. Through the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust (JDCT), JEP has sponsored the Annual Charles Town Maroon Conference as a way to expose Jamaicans to our heritage. This year, the conference will explore the following themes: indigenous environments and climate change, sustainable livelihoods, and preservation of cultural and historical traditions. This event seeks to ensure that our cultural practices are not forgotten and
JEP donated over US$900 towards this event.
are passed down to future generations.
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission The Miss St Catherine Festival Queen Competition is another event that promotes cultural retention, in the form of a pageant, which invites young women between the ages of 18-25 to participate, while showcasing their knowledge of the Jamaican culture. It is also required that they are active in their
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communities, and by extension, at the
JEP donated over US$1,000.00 towards this event, which is slated to take place
parish level.
later this year.
Issue 16
Corporate Social Responsibility
WKPP Events
WKPP Supports AFNA’s High Schools’ Netball Championship
President & CEO, Mr. Wayne McKenzie, presents Marva Bernard, Treasurer & Chairman of AFNA’s local organizing committee, with WKPP’s sponsorship in aid of executing AFNA’s 2018 Netball competition slated for July.
AFNA (Americas Federation of Netball) represents
Netball as a sport is nothing new
competition is welcomed at this time,
one of five regions of the International Netball
to WKPP as we have provided
where the national objective is to
Federation (INF) and is the governing body for
several sponsorships to the
promote regional integration, which
Netball for the Caribbean and North and South
world-renowned, “Sunshine
we believe WKPP is contributing
America. WKPP has sponsored one of the
Girls” over the years.
significantly towards.
leagues under this programme dubbed, “Americas
However, this year, we have
Champion of Champions High Schools Netball
joined forces with AFNA to
Jamaica will be hosting the first series
Championship” which will feature local high schools
host their inaugural regional
of matches at the GC Foster College
competing with other high schools within the region.
championship, which will
from July 15-21, 2018.
be showcasing as well as unearthing talents within our high schools. This display of healthy April 2018
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WKPP Sponsors The LIFE (Life Intervention For Education) Programme at Tivoli Gardens High School
CSR Committee Member, Diedre-Ann Roberts, handing over WKPP’s contribution to Tivoli Gardens High School in support of its LIFE (Literacy Intervention for Education) Programme.
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WKPP has sponsored this programme for the past
LIFE also includes drama as part of its curriculum, which
four years, which serves as a supplementary project to
engages students by way of role-playing. Another aspect of
assist High School students with their reading. The LIFE
the programme is its internal competition, where students from
curriculum comprises:
various forms are invited to display their talents in creative arts
•
Comprehension
while learning to be proficient in reading at the same time.
•
Oral fluency
•
Writing
Approximately 400 students are currently enrolled in the
•
Vocabulary
programme.
•
Spelling
Issue 16
WKPP Upholds Annual Contribution to the
Jamaica Cancer Society
“To eliminate cancer as a major health problem in Jamaica” is the mission of the Jamaica Cancer Society and
resources are its people. Cancer has claimed the lives of so
they have remained true to this through various
many Jamaicans, especially since it has been reported that we
fundraising activities hosted annually, where
have the highest reported incidents of prostate cancer, globally.
proceeds go towards research efforts. WKPP is always eager to save lives and will continue to The annual Relay for Life is one such event, which seeks
sponsor this worthwhile initiative. US$1,900 was donated to
partners to raise funds for the cause. WKPP has a longstanding
Relay for Life slated for June 2018.
relationship with the Society, as we believe that a nation’s true April 2018
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WKPP LABOUR DAY 2018! Persons living in the inner-city communities are
Annually, in addition to WKPP’s Labour Day
often stereotyped due to their impoverished way of
project, the company also sponsors individuals
living. WKPP understands the pride felt by persons
from the communities within our social impact
when their environment is aesthetically appealing.
areas.
Labour Day is recognized nationally and is celebrated on May 23, each year.
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Human Resources
JEP Hosts Lyme Retro Style! On April 27, JPS Sports Complex transformed to host JEP’s Welfare Lyme. Planned and executed by the JEP Welfare Committee, this Lyme marks the second staging of such events implemented to promote fun outside of the office; a healthy work-life balance; and to encourage camaraderie among JEP and WKPP staff. For a night filled with entertainment and food all courtesy of JEP, staff came out in their best retro outfits and brought their liquor of choice. Persons came out as early as 6 pm to participate in games as well as to enjoy the ‘early vibes’. Those who came to dance came out with their best moves and enjoyed what was described as a memorable occasion. Exceptional event planning and execution by the JEP Social and Welfare Committee. Members include Marcus Biggs, Kerry-Ann Johnson, Dempster Aitcheson, Dennis Halstead, Alesha Foster, Emelio Durrant, Dwayne Downer. All members would like to express their gratitude to all who attended and hope that this event was enjoyed by everyone. The team looks forward to hosting even more exciting events in the future! April 2018
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JEP/WKPP Fitness Challenge Accepted! On April 30, a group of JEP/WKPP employees started a journey with NU-Body solutions. While in consultation, a week prior, where the participants weight and measurements were taken, most were shocked by the results. Many were diagnosed obese, unfit and unhealthy. To this end, it was crucial that persons reflect on their current lifestyles and stop all unhealthy practices immediately. Our Nutritionist Kamla started to reveal the ‘ugly truth’ and brought the beverages from the canteen for each person to read the nutritional facts. Persons were surprised as to how many calories and servings they were having. Some were consuming an entire bottle of juice, which most times was over one serving, hence doubling their sugar intake.
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Phase 1: For the first two weeks persons were advised to omit all carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and processed foods from their diet. For the persons who were already trying to eat healthy, it seemed like a walk in the park, but this was far from the case. If you were consuming the typical leg and thigh, on the diet plan you can only select one piece of chicken and one type of vegetable, no mixing or over indulging on your portions. Imagine no flour, no bread, no boiled food, no rice, no snacks, no juice and a limited amount of fruits to choose from!? Immediately some persons started to experience the CARB FLU, yes! There is such a thing- it’s similar to caffeine withdrawal but it mimics real flu symptoms. However, after following their diets consecutively for two weeks, persons felt lighter and lost weight. Some of the participants commented how much better they feel and look, and how the programme has given them an eye opener and an appreciation for other foods as opposed to sugary ones. Yes, they felt a little weak when they started but now bursting with more energy as their bodies have, over time, adopted to using other foods to fuel their system instead of depending on carbs. Phase 2: So who said you can’t survive on 800 calories per day? The participants have proven that anything is possible, all you have to do is want it bad enough! All participants have carefully combined proper dieting and low impact exercise to achieve what they have thus far. At this phase, persons can reintroduce healthy fats into their diet and are excited and taking it one step at a time. The JEP & WKPP HR and Welfare team would like to applaud the additional persons who have made the decision to participate in the healthy challenge without officially being part of the promoted twelve spots. Best of luck to you, and remember these things: Best of luck to you, and remember these things: •
Think before you eat!
•
What you eat could be fighting a disease or feeding it!
•
Make healthier choices, water or coconut water to replace sugary drinks.
•
Baked, grilled, boil or broiled meats instead of fried.
•
Ground provisions instead of white flour & rice.
•
Snack on fruits and nuts!!!!
•
Use vegetables as a filler.
April 2018
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WELCOME to Jamaica Energy Partners and West Kingston Power Partners!
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Issue 16
New Employees
Doctor Bird Power Station New Appointment - April 2018
Kenroy Rhoden
Chadrae Allen
from trainee to staff Mechanic/Reconditioning Technician Maintenance Department
from trainee to staff Welder Machinist Maintenance Department
New Hire – April 2018
Osane Lannaman Instrumentation & Electrical Technician IE Department New Employees
West Kingston Power Partners
Lincoln Ankle
Deval Gordon
Shelair Venair
Intern
Intern
Intern
IT Department
Technical Services
Technical Services Department
On behalf of Senior Management and your colleagues
welcome to the JEP/WKPP Family! April 2018
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Safety
Learn More About
HURRICANES A hurricane is a violent warm core
The official hurricane season is June 1
A hurricane can dominate the ocean and
tropical storm with a minimum wind
to November 30. The period is usually
lower atmospheric temperatures over
speed of 119 km or (74 mph) rotating
a rainy one even if a hurricane does not
tens of thousands of kilometres (square
develop.
miles).
The weather pattern between June and
in a counter-clockwise spiral around a region of low pressure called the centre
December is significantly influenced
Where Do Hurricanes Come From?
The word hurricane was derived from
by the Northward shift of the Inter-
The principal regions of hurricane origin
the name for the Arawak God of Stormy
Tropical Convergence Zone and cyclonic
vary during the season. Most early
Weather “Huraken”, and the Spanish
instability, which lead to the formation of
(June) storms originate in the Gulf of
word “Huracan” meaning ‘big wind’.
easterly waves, storms and hurricanes.
Mexico and Western Caribbean. In July
or the eye.
and August, the areas of most frequent While hurricane winds move in a
The hurricane, composed of all the
origin shift eastward, and by September
spiraling counter-clockwise direction,
severe weather elements at their worst,
are located over the larger areas from
the hurricane itself moves with the basic
is considered “The Greatest Storm” on
the Bahamas southeastward to the
motion of the trade winds in which it is
earth.
Lesser Antilles, and then eastward to
embodied.
south of the Cape Verde Islands, near the Westcoast of Africa. After mid-
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September, the principal areas of origin
Phase 1 - Tropical Disturbance:
shift back to the western Caribbean and
A system in the trade wind easterlies which gives rise to a discrete area of cloudiness
Gulf of Mexico.
with embedded showers and thunderstorms.
On average, six Atlantic hurricanes occur
Phase 2 - Tropical Depression:
per year. However, there are significant
This system has definite counter-clockwise wind circulation in which maximum
deviations from this average. In 1916 and
sustained surface wind is less than 61 km/h (38 mph).
1950, eleven hurricanes were observed and no hurricanes were observed in
Phase 3 - Tropical Storm:
1907 and 1914. During 1893, 1959 and
This phase immediately precedes the hurricane. Tropical storms are systems with
1961 seasons, four hurricanes were
definite counter-clockwise wind circulation in which the maximum sustained surface
observed in progress at the same time.
wind is greater than 61 km/h (38 mph) but not more than 119 km/h (74 mph). It is at
How are Hurricanes Formed?
this stage the storm is given a name. Phase 4 - Hurricane:
Hurricane develops over warm tropical
The final stage is the hurricane, with maximum wind speed of 119 km/h (74 mph) and
waters. The energy necessary for its
over. The system is now mature and the eye is well defined. If atmospheric conditions
development comes from the warm
are right, it can strengthen.
ocean waters over which it passes. Through the process of evaporation
This system has definite counter-clockwise wind circulation in which maximum
energy stored in the ocean is lifted into
sustained surface wind is less than 61 km/h (38 mph).
the storm and then released during condensation.
What are the Different Categories of Hurricanes? Hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale based on their
The warmer the water surface over which
intensity. The Scale starts at 1, which is a minimal hurricane, and ends at 5, being a
a tropical wind system passes, the more
very strong hurricane.
energy is available for the storm. Hurricanes are formed when damp air rises from the surface of warm tropical seas. The sun heats the air and, as the air rises, there is a powerful updraft. This cools and turns into rain. The updraft is kept fuelled as more hot moist air rises. The movement of the earth in an eastwardly direction pushes the moist air currents to one side resulting in hurricanes moving in a counter-clockwise direction.
What are the Phases of Development for a Hurricane?
Category
Windspeed
(km/h)
(mph)
(knots)
Damage
Storm Surge (ft)
A potential hurricane goes through four
1
119-153
74-95
64-82
Minimal
4-5
basic phases before it attains hurricane
2
154-177
96-110
83-95
Moderate
6-8
strength. These are:
3
178-209
111-130
96-113
Extensive
9-12
4
210-249
131-155
114-135
Extreme
13-18
5
>250
>156
>136
Catastrophic
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•
Minimal: damage primarily to shrubbery, trees and foliage; some coastal flooding and possible minor damage to boats.
•
Moderate: considerable damage to trees; some roof, window and door damage;
Did You Know...?
coastal flooding requiring evacuation; damage to boats. •
Extensive: large trees blown down; structural damage to small buildings; serious flooding near coast; evacuation necessary; coastal structures damaged or destroyed.
•
Extreme: extensive destruction of trees and buildings; large-scale flooding; major damage to low structures within about 450m of shore; possible evacuation from low ground within eight to 16km of shore.
•
For hundreds of years, hurricanes in the West Indies were named after the particular saint’s day on which the hurricane occurred. For example, hurricane “San Felipe I” struck Puerto Rico on September 13, 1876 and
Catastrophic: trees down; extensive building damage; coastal area below
hurricane “San Felipe II” struck
3m flooded up to 10km inland; major damages to coastal structures; beaches
Puerto Rico again on the same
eroded; massive evacuation near coast. damage primarily to shrubbery, trees
day in 1928.
and foliage; some coastal flooding and possible minor damage to boats.
Why are Hurricanes Named? pre-approved names for tropical storms and hurricanes. It is much easier to identify a
When are Hurricane Names Retired?
storm by a name than by using the older method of latitude and longitude.
There are six lists of hurricane names
Every year, since 1953, the National Hurricane Center in Florida generates a list of
that are reused every six years. This list These lists first consisted only of female names. This changed in 1979, and today the
changes, however, when a hurricane
lists alternate between male and female names. Each generated list contains names
name is retired. Hurricanes that were
that begin from A to W, but exclude names that begin with a Q, U or Z.
unusually damaging and had a severe impact on the lives and the economy of a particular country or region are retired and not used for at least ten years.
What are the Damages That a Hurricane Can Cause? Wind Activity: Normally between 119 km (74 mph) and 320 km (200 mph). This normally causes damage to buildings and other structures, destroys crops especially grains and uproots trees and disrupts electricity and telephone lines. Objects such as signs, roofing material and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes. Very Heavy Rainfall: This often results in flooding causing damage to houses, excessive erosion and landslides, especially where unstable soil exists.
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Storm Surges: Storm surges appear as powerful water bulldozers that sweep inland across coastlines, sweeping everything in its path. The storm surge is a rise of water level that can take hours to
HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS
reach its maximum height. It is a huge wave that can extend as far as 80 km (50 miles) wide. Water starts to rise as the
At the start of the hurricane season:
storm approaches and
•
continues to rise faster as the centre of the hurricane nears the coast. The stronger the hurricane
hooks and latches and repair where necessary. • •
equipment and furniture from getting wet. •
This can also cause rapid and also drowning. Along the coast, storm surges are the greatest threat to life and
Keep handy a supply of lumbar, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
•
Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.
•
Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be
property. Eye:
Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings,
water the higher and more
flooding forced evacuation
Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.
and the shallower the offshore powerful the surge will be.
Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters,
necessary •
Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep
In the eye or centre of the
coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof
hurricane, the winds are light
material.
and the skies clear or partly cloudy. Maximum force winds and torrential rains surround this calm centre of the
•
outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc. •
be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration. •
is, the destructive force of the hurricane will be coming from the other direction.
Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.
area signals a change of direction in the winds. That
Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may
hurricane. The passing of this quiet
Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as
•
Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include waterboots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches. Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.
April 2018
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the power company, the nearest police station or parish council. •
Report broken sewer or
During a hurricane…
water mains directly to the
•
Do not go outside unless it is
parish council, the public
absolutely necessary. When the
works department or
winds get very strong, you are in
water resources authority
danger of being hit by flying objects.
for your area.
•
•
Children should not be taken
•
outside, since they may be in danger
stored should not be
of being blown away.
used immediately after the storm for washing
If you are away from home, remain
houses, cars and
where you are until the hurricane has
watering gardens until
passed. Many people have lost their
normal water services
lives trying to go from one place to
have been restored.
another. •
Keep a hurricane lamp burning, as it
•
other receptacles until
If the house shows signs of breaking
safe drinking water is
up, stay under a table or stand in a sturdy closet. •
Be prepared for material falling from
restored. •
water supply has been restored.
If your glass windows have not been boarded up, place a large heavy object in front of the window
•
and other debris and pile
splintering glass.
•
them where they can be easily collected.
Be calm! Your ability to act logically is important.
Watch out for fallen trees. Collect fallen branches
to protect yourself and others from •
Boil all drinking water until you are sure that a safe
the ceiling. •
Do not empty water stored in bathtubs or
may make the night more tolerable. •
Water which has been
•
Do not go outside
Listen to the radio for information on
barefooted. Avoid wearing
what is happening.
open shoes and watch out for broken glass.
After the hurricane… •
Seek medical attention at first-aid stations, hospitals or clinics for persons injured during the storm.
•
Do not touch loose or dangling electrical wires. Report these to
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Survival Kit 4: Tools and Supplies •
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Your Hurricane Survival Kits
•
Candles
•
Lanterns (Home Sweet Home lamps)
Survival Kit 1: Water •
Store water in plastic containers.
•
Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles. •
Store one gallon of water per person per day.
•
Keep at least a seven-day supply
Flash lights, one per person, with extra batteries for each
•
Cash
•
Can opener
•
Utility knife
•
Plastic sheeting to protect valuable documents, etc.
of water for each person in your household. Do not forget water for your pets. They are also members of
Survival Kit 5: Sanitation
your family, if you have any.
•
Toilet paper
•
Soap
•
Feminine supplies
•
Personal hygiene products
foods that require no refrigeration,
•
Plastic garbage bags
preparation of cooking and little or
•
Plastic bucket with a tight lid
•
Disinfectant
•
Household bleach
Survival Kit 2: Food •
Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. Select
no water. •
These types of foods include:
•
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Survival Kit 3: First-Aid Kit A first-aid kit should include:
Survival Kit 6: Clothing and Bedding •
Include at least three complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
•
Adhesive bandages in all sizes
•
Sterile gauze pads
•
A small pair of scissors
•
Needle and thread
•
Assorted safety pins
Adapted from the Caribbean Disaster
•
A supply of prescription medication,
Readiness Manual, 1997-2007
•
Sturdy shoes or workboots.
•
Rain gear
•
Blankets or sleeping bags
if you are taking any •
A supply of non-prescription medications such as over-thecounter painkillers
•
Alcohol
•
Cotton
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Updates & Upcoming Events
PR & Social Media
JEP Awarding Scholarships For 20 Years The importance of giving a child from a volatile community a fair chance at being a success story has in part led to electricity supplier Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) awarding dozens of scholarships each year to needy students and their parents. President and chief executive officer (CEO) of JEP and West Kingston Power Partners (WKPP), Wayne McKenzie told The Gleaner that JEP has been awarding scholarships for 20 years. JEP, now joined by WKPP, the latest addition to the group, has been one of the major sponsors for the past four years of the popular Scholarships To Go feature published by The Gleaner
Public and Community Relations Specialist with Jamaica Energy Partners and West Kingston Power Partners, Melissa Newman (left) with President and CEO Wayne McKenzie, presenting students with scholarship grants totalling $6 million in July 2017.
Company. To Go) is one where we recognise the
from secondary school to university.
The 12th edition of the must-have
readership and reach of The Gleaner.
publication promises to be special. It will
We are aware of the recognition that The
GSAT students remain on scholarship “all
be chock-full of the usual scholarships
Gleaner gets and as a result, we want
the way through to sixth form, providing
and more offered by Jamaican
to ensure that our scholarships that are
that their grades and deportment are
companies, educational institutions, the
offered will be seen by most, if not all
good”.
Ministry of Education as well as private
who are interested.” JEP and WKPP provide 20 GSAT
individuals in Jamaica and the diaspora. McKenzie said his companies also
scholarships each year. “In order to
involve the Ministry of Education’s Region
keep it gender-neutral, we have 10 boys
Like it has done in previous years,
Six and Region One, their social media
and 10 girls,” McKenzie explained. He
JEP and WKPP will provide 20 GSAT
sites and website in promoting the
revealed that scholarships offered at
scholarships and between five and 10
scholarships. However, he stressed that
that level are not based entirely on the
scholarships at the tertiary level.
the reach of The Gleaner presents the
students’ grades. As a matter of fact,
best way to point potential scholarship
according to McKenzie, “We don’t look
McKenzie said the companies under his
recipients to the company. “That’s why
for grades. We recognise that some
leadership are pleased to be associated
we continue to partner with The Gleaner
students (in volatile communities) will find
with The Gleaner and Scholarships To
in this programme,” McKenzie stressed.
it harder to matriculate the curriculum
It will be available on May 1.
that GSAT had.” Even so, the CEO was
Go. He said the scholarships that are
quick to point out that “our scholarship
When asked why they keep coming
awarded are geared towards GSAT
recipients from west Kingston last
back each year, McKenzie said: “This
students transitioning to high-school and
year matriculated into some of the top
particular publication (Scholarships
tertiary-level students who are moving
traditional high schools.” He said the face
April 2018
41
of education is changing, with students
According to McKenzie, there is a
“hunkering down and doing really well”.
pressing need out there.
GREAT NEED
He said: “Parents hunger for the opportunity. I’ve had parents coming
“I honestly wish we had significantly more
to me, and although their kids have not
corporate interaction in a programme like
matriculated, they do need the support
this,” McKenzie said while speaking with
and will literally give anything to ensure
The Gleaner. He noted that the demand
that their children can stay in school,
for scholarships at the tertiary level far
that they are provided with the proper
exceeds the supply.
material to stay in school.”
“We get approximately 30 to 40
And, the CEO revealed that JEP and
applicants for five to 10 spaces. And all
WKPP spend between $8 million and
these kids, all of them barring none, have
$15 million per annum on scholarships
grades ranging from one to two. We are
alone.
talking about kids with grades like eight ones, nine ones, 10 ones ... ,” McKenzie emphasised. He labelled as a travesty a situation where a youngster is unable to pursue higher-level study because of a lack of resources. “I really believe a lot of the money in corporate Jamaica should be invested in our kids if we really want to move this country forward,” he expressed. On a more personal level, McKenzie said the workforce of the companies under his direction have been transformed through education. He is imploring the rest of corporate Jamaica to step up to the plate to recognise the communities in which they operate and see how best they can improve the livelihood of these communities. In the case of JEP and WKPP, McKenzie explained that in order to benefit, scholarship recipients must reside within an eight mile radius of the plant. Community representatives are often part of the consultation process before a selection is made.
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“This just goes to show how much money we have spent on the kids. The good thing about it is that some of our scholarship recipients are now lawyers, some are doctors, and some are teachers, and so forth. They have given back not only to the country, but to JEP. We
have health fairs, and a number of the volunteers for our health fairs are doctors who passed through JEP’s scholarship programme.” McKenzie said he has also had cases where lawyers who have passed through their programme are now representing them. “That’s what you want to see - a generation transitioning to where they give back to the country, and we are now experiencing that.” The CEO urged The Gleaner to continue publishing Scholarships To Go because it is making a great impact. Source: The Gleaner Online Published: Monday | April 30, 2018 | 12:11 AM
Something Extra:
JEP Nominated for the JCC Small Category On April 25, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce launched the 36th Annual JCC Dinner and Awards season at the MercedesBenz Showroom on South Camp Road. Representatives from some of Jamaica’s top-performing businesses and corporations were thrilled and eager for the announcement of this year’s nominees for the illustrious awards. Share in the excitement of the launch and get ready for the 36th Annual JCC Dinner and Two proud nominees for the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Small Category, Patrice Howell (left), Administrative Assistant, Jamaica Energy Partners; and Melissa Newman, Public and Community Relations Specialist, Jamaica Energy Partners.
Awards Ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on June 26. Source: The Gleaner Online Published: Monday | April 30, 2018 | 12:00 AM
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April 2018
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Jamaica Energy Partners Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine, Jamaica, W.I. +1 (876) 631-4341 +1 (876) 632-1779